Probe Of Suspension And Corrosion Problems On Hyundai Sonata

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into possible suspension failures on the Hyundai Sonata sedan, a model that is built in Montgomery, the automaker’s Alabama factory. NHTSA says it has received six complaints of rear suspension control arm failure due to corrosion in model year 2006 Sonatas. An estimated 393,000 Sonatas, model years 2006 to 2008, are involved in the investigation. The concern is that rust in the frame can cause control arm failure, which affects the wheel hubs.

While no crashes or injuries have been reported, there have been two instances of the problem triggering the electronic control system. The investigation will determine whether a recall is warranted. The Montgomery plant, which produces the Sonata and Elantra compact, opened in 2005. Hyundai, in a statement, said that it is cooperating with the investigation. The statement said that “It is too early in the process to draw any conclusions about the allegations, and no safety-related defect has been identified.”